Forum | General Discussion
Karren Brady and that Brand thingy
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West Ham Vice chairman Karren Brady has been speaking today at a Leaders in sport conference in London.
Among the audience was Guardian journalist Owen Gibson who has been relaying her speech via social media which can be found below.
“Karren Brady says Olympic Stadium was an opportunity to “rebrand” the club. Also says club had “no culture” when she arrived. To be clear, Brady was speaking at the “Leaders” conference – fair to assume she was talking about the corporate culture.”
“Brady went on to explain that part of her aim was “getting the culture right, being a place where something is expected of you. We saw that as a real opportunity to change the brand values of the club. At least she’s explicit” said Owen.
“Brady goes on to say people, not the stadium, make club “Protecting their traditions and their values and their integrity is very important” Brady says the club is making a movie called Iron Men, following 5-7 fans in the transition from the Boleyn to the London Stadium.
“Brady: Rebranding ourselves was really important with our new stadium. We’re in the London Stadium.”
Owen Gibson has since deleted his tweets and Karren Brady claims she was misquoted saying “At Leaders was asked about corporate culture at WHU explained our world renowned heritage is what sets us apart shame not reported that way”
Dazza's Flying West Ham Physio Room. Part 71
Tuesday 4 October…10:02….Bright, bracing, blue sky with bubble clouds. The summer’s last hurrah, the impending gloom of winter with one foot in the door…
The shock and reverberations from the hotel video footage was still smouldering like the wreckage of a car crash. If the revelations of the England manager generously steering businessmen to “ways round the rules” for the princely sum of 400 big ones wasn’t enough to bring sick up into ones throat, the remainder of the film was wisely buried by the media. It was after the 16th Sambuca shot that things got really ugly. The chimpanzee, 3 dwarfs, 2 ladies of the night, one sword swallower and a fire extinguisher ordered by Allerdice and his business partner, to put on a show so disturbing, even Ch5 baulked at airing it after hours.
The aftermath saw much retrospective soul searching and varying calls for the game to be “cleaned up”. Ironic given the governing body of football are the most corrupt organisation in the world, maybe second only to some remaining Sicilian families in New York (although that’s questionable).
Slav afforded himself a smile as he leaned back in his creaking office chair. He’d been told the tales of his predecessor’s greed, and had turned a blind eye to many of his comments on his “inheriting a great squad”. “What goes around comes around mar friend” emitted the gravely tones from the Croat leader. As Slav turned however, he was confronted by a secondary screen showing the league table. It wasn’t good. The performances hadn’t been good enough. Energy and fitness appeared in dire straits. Confidence was evaporating rapidly. He’d held off making “the call” for now. He still had time. Several key players due back, international break. However, these days a managers life cycle was at its shortest ever, and he knew this. It wouldn’t be long until he called upon his ace card…..
Payet replaced the receiver in its cradle. He knew once he had given his word, there was no going back. Cristiano had held him to his word. If his form continued into the new season, he must join his friend in Madrid. The Spanish side were flat and needed an injection of craft, guile, skill. In essence they needed a magician now. And he was that man. January would be the time. East London had been a wonderful home, a rebirth of his mercurial talents. But time was short. And he needed a challenge, not a dog fight. Manuel would be distraught, but he would be strong and pull through. He pulled out the club phone, and text the Boss....."Boss…I’m afraid we need to talk. I’m sorry. Dimi x”.
Slavs club mobile alert went off. “Symphony of destruction” by Mega death. These days the text alerts always seemed to contain more problems. Surely this was happy news? Slav opened the text and froze…..Those last 3 words….”I’m sorry, Dimi” burned into his eyes. No, not now, not him……tears began to well in Slavs eyes. After all those happy times on the ITV sofa during the World Cup, cuddling Ian Wright and whispering sweet nothings to Lee Dixon. It seems a lifetime ago now….could it all be falling apart at the seams?
Slav pulled a Marlboro from the emergency packet in his drawer. Lighting and inhaling deeply he leaned back. Blowing a stream of thin blue smoke upwards, trailing like a fishing line, immersing itself into the water and disappearing. This was it. He was calling it in. He opened the laptop and tapped on Skype. Good…he was online. He dialled……It was answered. Slav took a deep breath…..
The Physio had never been happier. Since the unwanted arrival of the Croat genius he’d become almost a recluse. Even Andy had been a stranger for longer than 6 months over the summer period. This was a real kick in the guts as their chess games had become almost grandmaster like in the tussles. Days spent reviewing stock, cleaning, attending training courses. This wasn’t how it was meant to be? Under Allerdice he’d had a steady stream of customers, varying in severity of damage, but at least 2 meaty operations a month or several cuts from the training field aerial bombardments. These days it was all yoga, diet, talking, stretching. Pathetic. But like buses…….yes this was much more like it. Fucka George, Sammy Davis Byram, The Big Man (gawd bless his loyalty to the Flying Physio room), Smiler Daffy, and now Andre Ayew – Who, me? He was a most welcome newcomer. He also upped the ante, not 2 weeker for this first time customer, he went the full monty on his first appointment, a proper 4 month job. The big man was not impressed with this immediate challenge to the crown. And, as ever, the big man delivered with a classic “mysterious” 2 month knee issue. You had to hand it to the big man, the Physio had never seen such reserves of niggling issues to keep him occupied.
It was at this point a Boro’ fan went sailing past the physio room window. Then another. According to Twitter these fans were last seen bouncing on tarpaulin at the OS but had misjudged the tautness of the fabric. I’m sure the Chelski fans will treat the facilities with much more respect.
Almost incredibly, at this same time, a loud “Boooooom” could be heard from the Rush Green facility. It was coming from the direction of Upton Park. TV’s were switched immediately to BBC and Sky news services. Helicopters circled the famous old ground. Clouds of dust and debris dominating the skyline. Many workmen and historians dominated the scene. Digging for several days around the foundations of the old ground, looking for remnants of the old Boleyn castle, before the inevitable footings began for the blocks of apartments, or, as I like to call them, flats.
As the dust began to settle, the stands were still intact. No demolition afoot for now, but what, enquired the reporters, accounted for the large noise? The site foreman and chief scientist were ushered to the front of the lighted cameras, strobes and microphones jostling for position. The site foreman look perplexed, confused and worried. The scientist turned and called to a colleague. The lady that appeared bore no business suit or sign that the commercial world was for her. Instead, hooded cloak and crooked hands suggested the sale of lucky heather was more her domain. The scientist croaked, “Ladies and gentlemen. You may have been aware for the last 3 weeks we have been digging for signs or evidence of the old Boleyn castle. Some sign to understand further and better the events of this time. However, upon digging further and further, we were alerted to a dark sludge and foul smell so terrible, we had to ask our wider scientific community what had taken place here? What terribleness had befallen this site? Madam Krap Notpu was the only person who has been able to solve this riddle. I can confirm here on this site, both the Cairns and Browne families sold their souls and conscience to her for a bag of silver. Here she buried their offerings, and here they rot. We have now exhumed the remains and have sent for secure disposal. The explosion was caused as we dug out the last of the Browne sludge, as it appeared some Icelandic resin had somehow made its way into the structure and caused a reaction we were not expecting. The site is now secure and, Madame Krap has confirmed, the site is now at peace. We will address any further questions at a later date”.
Madame Krap was whisked away. The foul smell rescinded. The Boleyn rested once more and stood proud.
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West Ham's Five Best Moments
Even though they don’t have a top flight title in their trophy case, West Ham remains one of England’s most storied clubs.
All Hammers supporters have countless fond memories of supporting their club over the years and decades. Despite the cruel mistress football can often be, we continue to watch because any Hammers moment can become one that will live on forever in club lore, just as a big win on any random Premiership match can become one an online punter can forever.
Below are five of West Ham’s best moments forever ingrained in the memories of Hammers supporters (and punters) alike.
FA Cup Glory At Last
West Ham had won a number of minor honors early in their history, but a major trophy eluded them even until the second half of last century. However, under the guidance of Ron Greenwood, the 1963/64 Hammers would get another shot at claiming an FA Cup title.
The Flying Physio Room. Part 71
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Tuesday 4 October…10:02….Bright, bracing, blue sky with bubble clouds. The summer’s last hurrah, the impending gloom of winter with one foot in the door…
The shock and reverberations from the hotel video footage was still smouldering like the wreckage of a car crash. If the revelations of the England manager generously steering businessmen to “ways round the rules” for princely sum of 400 big ones wasn’t enough to bring sick up into ones throat, the remainder of the film was wisely buried by the media. It was after the 16th Sambuca shot that things got really ugly. The chimpanzee, 3 dwarfs, 2 ladies of the night, one sword swallower and a fire extinguisher ordered by Allerdice and his business partner, to put on a show so disturbing, even Ch5 baulked at airing it after hours.
The aftermath saw much retrospective soul searching and varying calls for the game to be “cleaned up”. Ironic given the governing body of football are the most corrupt organisation in the world, maybe second only to some remaining Sicilian families in New York (although that’s questionable).
Slav afforded himself a smile as he leaned back in his creaking office chair. He’d been told the tales of his predecessor’s greed, and had turned a blind eye to many of his comments on his “inheriting a great squad”. “What goes around comes around mar frend” emitted the gravely tones from the Croat leader. As Slav turned however, he was confronted by a secondary screen showing the league table. It wasn’t good. The performances hadn’t been good enough. Energy and fitness appeared in dire straits. Confidence was evaporating rapidly. He’d held off making “the call” for now. He still had time. Several key players due back, international break. However, these days a managers life cycle was at its shortest ever, and he knew this. It wouldn’t be long until he called upon his ace card…..
Payet replaced the receiver in its cradle. He knew once he had given his word, there was no going back. Cristiano had held him to his word. If his form continued into the new season, he must join in his friend in Madrid. The Spanish side were flat and needed an injection of craft, guile, skill. In essence they needed a magician now. And he was that man. January would be the time. East London had been a wonderful home, a rebirth of his mercurial talents. But time was short. And he needed a challenge, not a dog fight. Manuel would be distraught, but he would be strong and pull through. He pulled out the club phone, and text the Boss....."Boss…I’m afraid we need to talk. I’m sorry. Dimi x”.
Slavs club mobile alert went off. “Symphony of destruction” by Mega death. These days the text alerts always seemed to contain more problems. Surely this was happy news? Slav opened the text and froze…..Those last 3 words….”I’m sorry, Dimi” burned into his eyes. No, not now, not him……tears began to well in Slavs eyes. After all those happy times on the ITV sofa during the World Cup, cuddling Ian Wright and whispering sweet nothings to Lee Dixon. It seems a lifetime ago now….could it all be falling apart at the seams?
Slav pulled a Marlboro form the emergency packet in his drawer. Lighting and inhaling deeply he leaned back. Blowing a stream on thin blue smoke upwards, trailing like a fishing line, immersing itself into the water and disappearing. This was it. He was calling it in. He opened the laptop and tapped on Skype. Good…he was online. He dialled……It was answered. Slav took a deep breath…..
The Physio had never been happier. Since the unwanted arrival of the Croat genius he’d become almost a recluse. Even Andy had been a stranger for longer than 6 months over the summer period. This was a real kick in the guts as their chess games had become almost grandmaster like in the tussles. Days spent reviewing stock, cleaning, attending training courses. This wasn’t how it was meant to be? Under Allerdice he’d had a steady stream of customers, varying in severity of damage, but at least 2 meaty operations a month or several cuts from the training field aerial bombardments. These days it was all yoga, diet, talking, stretching. Pathetic. But like buses…….yes this was much more like it. Fucka George, Sammy Davis Byram, The Big Man (gawd bless his loyalty to the Flying Physio room), Smiler Daffy, and now Andre Ayew – Who, me? He was a most welcome newcomer. He also upped the ante, not 2 weeker for this first time customer, he went the full monty on his first appointment, a proper 4 month job. The big man was not impressed with this immediate challenge to the crown. And, as ever, the big man delivered with a classic “mysterious” 2 month knee issue. You had to hand it to the big man, the Physio had never seen such reserves of niggling issues to keep him occupied.
It was at this point a Boro’ fan went sailing past the physio room window. Then another. According to Twitter these fans were last seen bouncing on tarpaulin at the OS but had misjudged the tautness of the fabric. I’m sure the Chelski fans will treat the facilities with much more respect.
Almost incredibly, at this same time, a loud “Boooooom” could be heard from the Rush Green facility. It was coming from the direction of Upton Park. TV’s were switched immediately to BBC and Sky news services. Helicopters circled the famous old ground. Clouds of dust and debris dominating the skyline. Many workmen and historians dominated the scene. Digging for several days around the foundations of the old ground, looking for remnants of the old Boleyn castle, before the inevitable footings began for the blocks of apartments, or, as I like to call them, flats.
As the dust began to settle, the stands were still intact. No demolition afoot for now, but what, enquired the reporters, accounted for the large noise? The site foreman and chief scientist were ushered to the front of the lighted cameras, strobes and microphones jostling for position. The site foreman look perplexed, confused and worried. The scientist turned and called to a colleague. The lady that appeared bore no business suit or sign that the commercial world was for her. Instead, hooded cloak and crooked hands suggested the sale of lucky heather was more her domain. The scientist croaked, “Ladies and gentlemen. You may have been aware for the last 3 weeks we have been digging for signs or evidence of the old Boleyn castle. Some sign to understand further and better the events of this time. However, upon digging further and further, we were alerted to a dark sludge and foul smell so terrible, we had to ask our wider scientific community what had taken place here? What terribleness had befallen this site? Madam Krap Notpu was the only person who has been able to solve this riddle. I can confirm here on this site, both the Cairns and Browne families sold their souls and conscience to her for a bag of silver. Here she buried their offerings, and here they rot. We have now exhumed the remains and have sent for secure disposal. The explosion was caused as we dug out the last of the Browne sludge, as it appeared some Icelandic resin had somehow made its way into the structure and caused a reaction we were not expecting. The site is now secure and, Madame Krap has confirmed, the site is now at peace. We will address any further questions at a later date”.
Madame Krap was whisked away. The foul smell rescinded. The Boleyn rested once more and stood proud.
Trampolining Boro Fans Didn't Help Matters, But Worse Was..
The media have descended on West Ham's 'transplant' from the Boleyn Ground to the London Stadium with the sort of fervor and vengeance that they can always be relied upon to serve up, there are many contributing factors with greed and envy at the forefront. The perceived greed of West Ham's co-owners and the envy of just about every other Barclays Premier League team have collided with the inevitable negative consequences, as with many contentious issues the benefit of hindsight can be a wonderful thing. Overall the move has been relatively successful, but it was always going to be under intense scrutiny and it was inevitable that problems and issues would be 'extensively' highlighted, in that respect the media have made a sterling effort! Reports of 'hooliganism' are easy copy for the red tops and those who should know better, instead of sensationalism perhaps a more balanced perspective might be beneficial, to that end we attempt to raise a few issues and make note of some events that went unreported during, and after the match against MIddlesbrough.
Firstly we in no way condone the acts of mindless individuals or groups of them, and there were a few at the London Stadium, on BOTH sides! Despite the increased security which was welcomed particularly by those who were attending the match with their children, there were several 'runs' made by fans of both sides in order to 'get at' or 'rile' the opposition, these flash points were for the most part dealt with quickly and efficiently, but one event was both alarming and dangerous whichever context it is viewed with. Following the scoring of the Middlesbrough goal to go 1 - 0 ahead in the game, fans did what has now become the away fans ritual of running up and down the 'walkways' that link the stands to the bars, food franchises and toilet facilities. This 'act of provocation' may not seem very significant, but it has created the possibility of a 'tinder box' situation, one that will probably ignite when local rivals visit the Stadium! However on Saturday, Boro fans managed to leap from the stands on to the tarpaulin covers that hide the scaffolding which supports the seating above the running track, they were able to pirouette and somersault which was very entertaining for their own fans but was like a red flag to a bull for the home fans, especially those who were begrudgingly adhering to the no standing rule. It took a significant amount of time for stewards to regain control of the impromptu trampoline, by which time a very angry atmosphere had begun to prevail, Dimitri Payet's wonder goal coming within five minutes of the Boro goal probably saved the day in more ways than one as attention shifted to out chanting the away fans rather than muscle flexing (sadly you know who you are!)
Unfortunately the cave man aspect gained momentum outside the ground with a few minor scuffles, although the sight of a Hammers fan boarding his coach with a bleeding nose wasn't exactly what you want your kids to see, but the saddest and most perturbing event which was witnessed first hand by site members was groups of 'dinosaurs' from a certain era meeting up with their Luddite colleagues for a pre-arranged 'ruck' with people of an equally disturbed disposition who had traveled all the way down from the Midlands with the sole purpose of fighting not football! These men of a certain age are an embarrassment, OK so they used to be 'hard', so what? They are a dying breed, their actions are now viewed in a similar way to drunk drivers, once upon a time they were tolerated, even feted for being a bit of a laugh! However times have changed and fortunately the old ICF life style is not particularly appealing to today's youth, because criticise them as much as you wish, they are not stupid and they are definitely not as stupid a some of their elders!
Security has improved significantly at the London Stadium and the increased Police presence in the concourse has arrived just in the nick of time, eventually away fans will have to be retained in the Stadium (as happens to Hammers fans at every away match) for a 'sensible' amount of time until the home fans have significantly dispersed, this action will alleviate a problem that up until now has not reared it's ugly head, but the impending visit of Chelsea and similar 'high profile' teams make it's implementation a necessity. The trampolining Boro supporters didn't help matters, but far worse were the mindless thugs from both sides ruining most other people's day out, and by the way 'hard men', having a fight in a pre-arranged open space is NOT being considerate, so don't delude yourselves, you're history! - Ed
managerial merry go round begins….
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so…swansea get rid of what ever his name was and appoint bradley…..villa give di matteo the bullet….whos next? my money is on Moyes who looks to be totally inept these days and not only on the field but with his interviews off it! these are tough jobs i agree, the players moyes has and swansea ….really what do they expect to achieve each season? villa look to be heading into the abys of lower leagues unless they pick the right man for the job.
Trevor Brooking
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Happy 68th birthday to a living legend ( not many of them about in this era ) from Barking, West Ham & England midfielder Sir Trevor Brooking...
Disgraceful
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When I see a post on social media from a friend with a son who is wheelchair bound and he no longer wants to go to games. The poor lad is scared because of the lack of security and today got home at 8.42 even though he lives in east London. All the crap we were told in the promotional videos about our wonderful stadium and all the great transportation links, yet everyone is experiencing nothing but problems. Disabled people should come first before anyone, and to hold them back and then to not provide safety is appalling! Imagine being confined to a wheelchair and being caught up in mass crowds knowing that fighting is occurring? Why hold a person back in a wheelchair from getting home? The club has opened up to the masses by offering +2 for season ticket holders without knowing who they are, I say this as how much trouble did we see in Upton Park over the past 10-15 years? A lot of the additional fans must be the problem surely? Along with the segregation and steward problems. I'm sick of it and haven't been to the last 2 games, Oliver told me the other day that he didn't want to go and that was the first time ever he has said that to me. We are in a complete mess both on the pitch and on the terraces and the move is proving to be the worst thing that has happened to West Ham in my opinion. Treating disabled people as second class citizens is an absolute disgrace and I am now seriously considering not going again and may give up our season tickets at the earliest opportunity. I have tweeted David Gold tonight about the poor lads experience but he won't respond, as he prefers to engage with rival fans in pathetic banta and ignores constructive/justified criticism from people that he should consider as his own. Maybe this is the 'new' West Ham way? If it is then its a disgrace!
More Than A Draw West Ham 1- 1 Middlesbrough
A Dimitri Payet wonder goal lifted the spirits at the London Stadium as Hammers fought back after conceding a contentious goal against the visitors Middlesbrough. Slaven Bilic's revamped team may only have secured a draw against newly promoted opposition, but the manner in which the team played bodes well for the future, the crowd got behind the team and but for lady luck being hormonal and a referee who likes gravy with everything West Ham could have been going in to the international break with three points instead of one, Mark Noble's shot deserved more than hitting the post and Payet also had a goal disallowed, Sam Byram had to be stretchered off after only four minutes which didn't help matters.
The event was slightly marred by some unpleasant confrontations outside the ground after the match reminiscent of the seventies, before Police re-established order, as the late great David Bowie sang "look at them cavemen go!"
A point at this stage is obviously not enough, but it is a damn sight better than bugger all and could represent the turning point in Hammers fortunes, at least the journey back from the ground for the 50,000 plus crowd was not as miserable as it has been for the last two games. Onwards and upwards and C.O.Y.I - Ed
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